Planta Med 2010; 76 - P086
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264384

Effect of ethanolic extract Anacyclus pyrethrum DC on reproductive parameter of male rats

V Sharma 1, M Thakur 1, N Chauhan 1, V Dixit 1
  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. H.S.Gour University, Dr. H.S. Gour University, 470003 Sagar, India

Vajikaran is a speciality in Ayurvedic system of medicine in India dealing with herbs possessing rejuvenative and revitalizing properties for improving sexual dynamics and reproduction capacity. Anacyclus pyrethrum root is used traditionally used to enhance sexual power. An insight in the scientific literature appraised insufficient data to validate the rejuvinative property of Anacyclus pyrethrum. The study was therefore performed to evaluate the effectiveness of ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum at a dose equivalent to 50, 100 and 150mg/kg b.w. respectively in improving overall sexual behavior and reproductive parameters in male rats. Following parameters were evaluated the effect of extract on body and organ weights, change in histoarchitecture of testis, testosterone, FSH, LH level in blood, fructose level in seminal vesicles, sperm parameters and sexual behavior was studied.

Administration of ethanolic extract had pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic effect in treated animals as evidenced by weight gains in the body and reproductive organs. Improvement in sexual behavior of animals as reflected in reduction of mount and intromission latency, an increase in mount and intromission frequency and enhanced attractability towards female. The increased spermatogenesis in treated group was confirmed by change in histoarchitecture and increase sperm count. The level of testosterone FSH, LH and fructose content in seminal vesicles was significantly increases in treated groups. These studies suggest the possible role of alkylamides of Anacyclus pyrethrum in improving sexual function by its action on HPG axis. These findings support the folk use of this plant as Vajikaran.

Acknowledgements: AICTE, New Delhi for providing National Doctoral Fellowship.

References: 1. Thakur M, Dixit VK,(2007) Sex Disabil. 25 (4): 203–207.

2. Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK, (2008) Nat Prod Res. DOI: 10.1080/14786410802588493.

3. Chauhan NS, Dixit VK,(2009) Int J Impot Res. DOI:10.1038/ijir.2009.62.